Perched alongside the Mississippi River, Arkansas is likely one of the states to go to should you love nature! Not solely that, it has a good few pretty cities and historic spots which are excellent for a protracted weekend break, too. Actually, there’s so many epic and finest issues to do in Arkansas no matter what floats your boat.
That is precisely why I needed to share some actually epic locations that you need to go to while exploring Arkansas. Now, among the spots are really easy to get to, while others want a bit of extra planning. Regardless of the case, they’re all gobsmacking-ly pretty spots to incorporate in your journey.
In fact, you’ve acquired the huge Ozarks and the recent springs, however there’s a lot extra to the ‘the natural state’.
Have a look, beneath, at the very best issues to do in Arkansas whenever you go to. Have the very best time exploring.
1.) Sizzling Springs
Sizzling Springs Nationwide Park is one pretty stopping level for just a few days chill time while driving on a wider street journey. You see, it’s completely distanced between Memphis (in Tennessee) and Oklahoma Metropolis (in Oklahoma) and simply off Freeway 30, too.
Now, to begin off, enter the park by beginning at Fordyce Bathhouse, a historic bathhouse that operated from 1915 to 1962. Adorned with marble and stained glass you’ll be able to deal with your self to a dip in one of many bathhouses for a small charge. You deserve it!
Afterwards, take a stroll by way of the West Mountain Path and go to the Sizzling Springs Mountain Tower for the views.
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2.) The Ozark Area
Ozark is a large and fairly huge space in Arkansas (and different neighbouring states) that’s too beautiful to overlook.
The entire space round right here is completely beautiful and you’ll simply spend a relaxing week exploring right here alone. As soon as arriving, ensure to take a look at the views across the rivers and our bodies of water which are simply so stress-free.
Afterwards, head over to Hawksbill Crag ( and the Whitaker Level Trailhead) that’s inside the Ozark Nationwide Forest.
You’ll get some beautiful views throughout the entire area and it’s so stunning as well!
If you wish to see a waterfall, get your self over to the comparatively straightforward Glory Hole Waterfalls Trail. The path is good and simple however does get a bit of tougher proper on the finish. Regardless of the case, it’s effectively price a gander.
That being mentioned, should you’re nearer to Mountain View, pop over to People Heart State Park. This residing historical past park is the one certainly one of its type preserving Ozark cultural and historical past within the nation. Situated in Mountain View, you’ll get a first-hand expertise in residing historical past by taking part in quite a lot of occasions.
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3.) Museum of Native American Historical past
For those who’re driving by way of Bentonville, be sure you cease off on the Museum of Native American Historical past. This museum permits you to journey again in time and discover Native American artefacts and study extra about Native American historical past, lands and tradition.
The museum is split into 5 time durations that actually allow you to stroll by way of historical past and altering lives of the primary inhabitants. It’s a correct hidden gem and probably the greatest issues to do in Arkansas if you wish to study extra about Native American historical past.
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4.) Little Rock Central Excessive College Nationwide Historic Web site
Now, it’d sound unusual telling you to go go to a college however bear with me right here.
You see, this explicit spot performed a significant function within the desegregation of colleges in the US and might be toured at sure occasions all year long.
Though the college remains to be in operation, and you will get a tour through the day. Alternatively, an alternative choice is reserving a “streetscape tour” and get the identical info however stay outdoors of the constructing. Both alternative is an efficient one to study extra about this piece of US historical past.
Afterwards, jump over to Rock Town Distillery for among the finest craft brews in Arkansas. These lot know their stuff.
5.) Buffalo Nationwide River
Perched inside the northern components of Arkansas, visiting Buffalo Nationwide River is likely one of the finest issues to do if you would like a extra chilled time on the water.
Now, it’s a must to be strategic about the place to go to this 153-mile lengthy river, in spite of everything, it’s lengthy! Try the Tyler Bend Visitor Center, positioned in St. Joe, to get began and get your self in your merry approach. From there lease a canoe to drift the river, hike on over 100-miles of trails and spend the evening tenting. Hold your eyes peeled for elk!
That being mentioned, should you’re nearer to Ponca, head on over to the Hemmed in Hollow Falls that’s shut by the Buffalo Nationwide River itself. It may be a troublesome path to get right here, so be sure to’re as much as the hike! It’s not the type of path for first-timers I’m afraid.
6.) Fayetteville
Round 30-km south of Bentonville, Fayetteville is a beautiful spot to spend a day (or afternoon) exploring.
You see, you’ve acquired the stunning downtown Sq. and Gardens however you’ve additionally acquired the Clinton Home Museum and the Mount Sequoyah Woods Path should you fancy stretching your legs.
Afterwards, pop over to Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese. Belief me, you’ll be in grilled cheese heaven that you just received’t wanna go away. Their raging-cajun is so good.
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7.) Little Rock
Now, I do know I discussed the college in Little Rock earlier, however I simply needed to share extra epic issues to do within the metropolis!
Being the capital of Arkansas, visiting Little Rock is likely one of the finest issues to do in Arkansas should you’re in search of a bit extra of a buzzing metropolis.
As soon as right here, be sure you try the T.R. Pugh Memorial Park and see the unbelievable State Capitol Constructing, too. Oh, and if the climate turns a bit of dreary, pop into the Museum of Discovery and the Outdated State Home Museum, too. They’re unbelievable.
Lastly, after working up an urge for food head on over to the yummy, Brave New Restaurant. Belief me, their smoked fish and their veal with lime is simply too good to overlook.
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8.) Van Buren
Nestled close to the border with Oklahoma, Exploring Van Buren is likely one of the finest issues to do in Arkansas should you love historic cities.
You see, there’s a very quaint Historic District that’s pretty to walk round and go to.
It’s nice for a bit of wander and lunch earlier than persevering with in direction of Oklahoma Metropolis.
9.) Fort Smith
Simply throughout the river from Van Buren, Fort Smith is a a lot bigger metropolis that’s excellent to go to if you wish to delve into the areas historical past a bit of extra. You see, you’ve acquired the Fort Smith Nationwide Historic Park that’s stuffed with a heap of trails and routes to discover.
Afterwards, go to the Fort Smith Museum of History and Belle Starr Antiques that’s unbelievable to search out some quirky presents. Oh, and for some juicy steaks, go to Doe’s Eat Place. You’ll go away stuffed.
10.) Blanchard Springs Caverns
Heading north from Mountain View, Blanchard Springs Caverns is a fairly distinctive place to go to in Arkansas. You see, it’s a complete cavern and underground system of tunnels which have been carved over 1000’s of years. It’s unbelievable to see and excursions take round 1-2 hours to finish.
For those who’ve acquired some additional time, hop on the Blanchard Spring Trailhead that’s shut by and fairly pretty to discover.
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